When the Yankees picked up Jose Trevino from the Texas Rangers at the start of the 2022 season, did they know they were getting a guy who has undoubtedly transformed the role of catcher on this team? He can catch, run and hit, giving the Yankees every advantage to be what they have become—the best team in baseball. And he is quickly edging his way into the Yankee starting catcher role, erasing the Gary Sanchez era completely. Jose Trevino is the Yankees secret weapon—well it's not really a secret anymore.
In 89 at bats this season, Trevino is batting .289 with an .819 OPS, 4 home runs, 15 RBIs and 1 stolen base. Suzyn Waldman enthusiastically named Trevino the Yankees secret weapon in her broadcasts over the last couple of weeks. And what a couple of weeks the 29-year-old catcher has had. A walk-off, critical base running and just a vacuum behind the plate. In the first game against the Tigers in this three-game stint, Trevino went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a triple, a walk, three RBIs and three runs scored. Oh and behind the plate he called a near perfect game with Gerrit Cole.
“He means so much to those guys, in such a short time in that room,” manager Aaron Boone said. “I’m just really happy for him. He’s been so instrumental in us being where we are at this point in the season," reported MLB.com.
During the Apple TV+ Friday night broadcast I learned that Trevino used his signing bonus when he made it to the majors to build a batting cage, but not for batting rather for working on his catching. His defense behind the plate is incredible. Players don't want to steal on him. And his snatch throws to first base are catching runners off guard and picking them off more times than not. His pitch framing and game-planning with pitchers makes him invaluable as a catcher. Trevino is an integral part of this team with a positive culture and passion for winning.
"I think anytime you're a close-knit group like those guys are and you're challenging each other and learning from one another, I think that environment is one that you have a better chance to thrive in," New York manager Aaron Boone said. "So I think that's happening," reported ESPN.
Of course you can't write a piece about Jose Trevino without mentioning his amazing walk off against the Orioles on May 24th, the date of his late father's birthday and the horrific events at Uvalde in his home state of Texas, only 90 minutes from his hometown. He said his father prepared him for the walk off even though he never saw him play a major league game.
"My dad was a huge Yankees fan,'' Jose Trevino said. ''He would always put me in these scenarios. He always said, 'Ninth inning, down one, you need a base hit here to tie the game or win the game at Yankee Stadium.' '"He always said, like, `I'm preparing you to be a Yankee, always,'" he added as reported by CBS Sports.
Trevino—an unexpected gem, a secret weapon and a respected player in this clubhouse. He plays with such gratitude and happiness, he is a joy to watch let alone be around in the dugout. He has given the Yankees so much and it is early in the season. I root for a guy like Trevino. I mean how could you not? And my rant can't end without me saying that Jose Trevino should be the everyday catcher for the Yankees. Secret Weapon no more—this guy has been outed for good!
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--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof
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